It's been a month since I've returned from my trip to New York where I visited my sons. I had a great time and even got to meet the family cat. But I also did a bit of housekeeping, reorganizing and refreshing some things. Today I'd like to share a different type of post with you. I'm taking you on a glimpse into my world and a few odds and ends that I worked on while there.

Above the couch I had originally placed three frames. The one that was here previously has been moved and in it' place I have added the "Birds of Christmas". I was aiming for a brighter look. The two frames flanking the central one have vintage maps of New York and of Greece. It is my way of paying tribute to our two locations that pull us back and forth all the time.
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This is our living room wall with the television set. I have created a gallery wall of sorts using dollar store frames for the most part. A few of them were old wooden frames which I had spray painted black years ago.

But the important thing here is that because they display things that we love they are worth much more than just a dollar. I always encourage my kids to make art and then I get to display it. And it warms my heart to see Katrin's work on my wall as well.
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Moving on to the guest bedroom, I needed a dresser for my clothes and found an old one which was solid wood but in bad shape. This one actually belonged to my husband and when we married and moved here many years ago I had painted it white. I must have been ahead of the trends!

The problem was that after we moved to Greece, my dad stored it in the basement and had placed things on it. I tried to sand it but instead of sanding all I did was to move the melted paint from one area to another. It was really a hopeless case. I think that in the future this one will need a good strip job. But for the time being I embraced my farmhouse inner self and just went with it. As you can see it is full of chips and nicks. There were a few there, but I added some more with the use of the sander.
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Below you can see just what I accomplished after 15 minutes of sanding - with a machine no less. Now I have to digress here and say that before I started to blog I would not have been caught dead with a piece of furniture like that in my house. Oh but how the mighty have fallen - No!

I have come to love and appreciate many different styles and there is beauty in the reveal of the raw wood underneath a lifetime of paint. This piece is just like me. A certain age with flaws and wrinkles but there is still much underneath that is of importance. Every wrinkle, scratch, nick and cut has been hard earned!

I no longer see it as unfinished, but instead, as a work in progress! Just like me! ;)
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​This little fish bowl has been in this house for as long as I can remember. The color of the glass reminds me of the Greek sea.
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The little stool was found by the hubs when he saved the mirror. I also finished this one with Old Fashioned Milk Paint in Oyster White.
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I bought the lamp at Target two years ago. The shade is actually made from cork. I love all the texture it has.
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The two demitasse cups and saucers were hand made in my birthplace, Agiasos on the island of Lesvos. The village is famous for its tradition of ceramic and wood work that dates back thousands of years. Now you see where I get my creative side from. It must be in the village water.
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The pottery and painting of the ceramics are all done by hand. And below you can see just how nice the little stool looks after I finished putting beeswax on it. Actually I'm not even sure it's a stool. It really is too short to be a real stool. I'm pretty short and that thing is not going to make much of a difference when I'm reaching up to a high cabinet.
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The vintage milk server was handed down to me from my mother. She had great taste, something which I am becoming aware of only now. I remember her wearing matching outfits and her shoes and handbag always coordinated. Unlike me, who well...we won't get into that, after all this is not a fashion blog. Suffice it to say that matching shoes and handbags are no longer in style and I am grateful for that.

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​I have a huge collection of cards. I'd get them in the mail and before I knew it, I had amassed hundreds of them. Well how many cards am I going to send out in this day of e-mail? None! Instead, I chose to display them in one of those collage picture frames that hold 12 photos. Depending on my mood and season I can just change them out. You had originally seen this frame in between my bookcase makeover.
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This was certainly a different type of post for me, this small glimpse into my world. I hope you enjoyed it along with my odds and ends! Which did you like the most?

Now you all must tell me, that "stool"... is it really a stool or is it something else?

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Mary, I really enjoyed this peek at your treasures. I always tell people that the best decorating comes from adding pieces you love to your space. You have certainly done that. I have no idea about the stool, but I love what you have done with it!

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Mary

3/10/2017 12:55:08 pm

Thanks Kim. And all this just in my son's home. I haven't even gone to the basement yet! ;)

You spoke to me when you said there was a time you would not have liked a dresser like that. I was like that and it was my ex husband and ex fiancee who opened my eyes to the beauty of used items with a coat of paint. I am grateful they did. I love the dresser and all of the other items.

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Mary

3/10/2017 01:45:46 pm

Thanks Debra, we are learning to appreciate so many things we would not have given a second look at years ago. I think that is the true beauty of this journey of ours through our blogs.

Thank you for showing us a "glimpse" of your world, dear Mary. Those odds and ends are full of memories and lovable. I really like those cups - wouldn't mind finding them in my china cabinet... I'm sure you had a lovely time in New York!
Have a great day,
Marjan

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Mary

3/10/2017 12:57:16 pm

I had the best time even if I didn't finish everything I set out to do. But when are you really finished?

Oh that stool is perfection and so perfect for decorating vignettes like yours here Mary! The dresser is so nice, with all it´s scratches and imperfections! I have to say that I also didn´t see the beauty in imperfection before blogging...shame. I would have lot´s more stuff to repurpose if I had! The cups and milk server are so special, and they look great on the stool! I also love your card collection, Thank you for letting us peek into your home!!

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Mary

3/10/2017 01:27:56 pm

Thank you Katrin for always joining me in my adventures where ever they might be. I really need to do something with that stool or whatever it is.

Love the story behind the stuff Mary. Its what make our houses homes. The vintage maps of New York and Greece are especially wonderful. Your living it so it doesn't seem that glamourous but to be flying between New York and Greece is pretty amazing. Both of those locations are on my bucket list, I won't ever be able to afford Greece, but New York most certainly is.

I chuckled when you talked about the stool and needing one to get in the cupboards lol. I am five 7 and by far the shortest in my house so its a new idea for me.

So glad you were able to see you boys and be a Mom and nest with them. Its lovely to read.

Enjoy your week. Leanna

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Mary

3/10/2017 01:44:20 pm

Leanna it may be glamorous to you but for me it's a pain by now. all that back and forth. If only it was fewer hours but the pond is very big. Haha!

As for that stool, I'm only 5 foot 3 inches so it would have to be a lot bigger to help me reach the top cabinets.

Mary, you were super busy when going to New York and it looks like you got a lot accomplished. I like the vignette you made with the stool and cups. I wonder if the stool could be used as a bed tray of sorts? Anyway I like how you styled it. The furniture looks great and all your wall displays are beautiful!!

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Mary

3/10/2017 03:01:49 pm

That is a great idea Keri, a bed tray. Unfortunately it's too small for that. I would have loved that thought!

Mary,
I can't help you out with the stool issue but I love your collection of bird cards that you have framed! They're beautiful! I also love your Blue fish plate (how unique!) and your mothers cream pitcher (beautiful!). I think the dresser is a beautiful piece, whether you re do it or not! I find your life very interesting ! Thanks for the "glimps" !
Jeannee

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Mary

3/10/2017 03:05:52 pm

Thanks Jeannee. I don't know if it's interesting or not. I only know I get to watch lots of movies on the flights back and forth. Haha. And yes I have become very fond of that ole dresser!

Hmmm...you've stumped me as it relates to that stool! Could it be a little shelf sort of thing to sit on a counter? What ever it is, it is surely charming as you are using it.

It was really lovely to see 'where you live'...this blogging thing is funny...we really get to know each other without actually meeting each other and seeing each other in their environment...as such, it's always neat to get a sneak peak.

I hope you are enjoying a lovely spring day in Greece, it is just blissful here in North Carolina.

Hugs, Lynn

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Mary

3/10/2017 03:12:29 pm

Lynn this is not even where I live, this is where I visit. Haha! But a piece of me belongs here. We've had this home since I was a teen and while we moved to Greece my dad kept it and now the kids are back with him...well at least one of them is. It's funny how life goes around in circles.

Enjoy the weather because I hear in NY they are having a snowstorm again.

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Barbara Chapman ~ French Ethereal

3/9/2017 11:44:02 am

Mary,
I love your old chippy dresser! It's perfectly imperfect, you know? Thanks for sharing your heart each week ~ needing a pick up today. <3
Eat an olive for me over across the Pond,
Barb :)

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Mary

3/10/2017 03:15:23 pm

That's exactly how I see it Barbara. Perfectly imperfect and that suits me just fine. I hope you are feeling better.

I have absolutely no idea what that cute bench thingy is Mary but I so enjoyed reading this. Your NY home looks like it's a true reflection of you or how I imagine you to be. All the love and caring for others is evident in every picture and vignette you've created. Katrin's beautiful printables intermingled with your son's art work, a cherished dish from your mom combined with hand painted cups from your birth place, throw pillows made with love by a friend and a chippy dresser. They each tell such a beautiful story about you. You're an amazing woman in so many ways

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Mary

3/10/2017 03:29:25 pm

Michelle I like to think that it is surrounded by love and by things that are made by the people I care for.

Hi Mary, you were busy while you were over in New York. What caught my eye is the picture at the bottom of the living room photo, it looks like people on a bus looking out of the windows. How nice that you have items from your place of birth, I like sentimentality like that.... My Mum is also a well turned out lady, I couldn't match a pair of socks if my life depended on it!

xx

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Mary

3/10/2017 03:43:29 pm

The picture on the bottom is actually the television set that is on. I snapped the photo while it was on. It may be an anime series my son was watching. Ahh those mom's are classy ladies Debbie. I'm happiest in my pajamas!!

Mary I really enjoyed the glimpse into your world of odds and ends. It's funny how we use to think if a piece of furniture gets nicked up it's time to get another. Now that's what we want, lol. Love your dresser, and that pretty blue dish. Your photo galleries look great, it's nice that you were able to use your sons drawing, and Katrin' s beautiful printable. Very pretty!!!

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Mary

3/13/2017 04:35:02 am

It's all about feeling comfortable in your home. I am slowly transforming it and giving it a bit of light.

Good afternoon Mary, I love how you have framed the beautiful postcards, they make a lovely display.
The bright blue dish is stunning, the blue is so vibrant.
It has been so lovely to glimpse inside your lovely world.
Best Wishes
Daphne

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Mary

3/13/2017 04:38:46 am

Daphne, this post has made me realize that I don't have a style. It's just a collection of things I love really. That blue is amazing!

I enjoyed a glimpse into your world. Love the blue fish -- such a beautiful deep blue -- just like the sea! And your use of the cards -- wonderful. I keep favorite cards, too. Love the idea of framing them and putting them on the wall. Happy Monday!

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Mary

3/18/2017 04:54:27 pm

Who is to say what we should put on our walls or in our frames. I only put things that I love and that touch me. I'm so glad you like the card idea!

Such treasures and displayed with love. I have few things from my family handed down. I really love the idea that you encourage your children to make art so you can frame it. I recently ran across several watercolors by my daughter and want very much to mat them and frame them...she is now a mom, so I held on to them for a very long time.

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Mary

3/18/2017 05:11:45 pm

I beleive the best are it the one that touches your heart Debbie. And there is nothing closer to the heart than family. I know that when your daughter sees her watercolors she will be so grateful that you remembered them and took the time to frame them.

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Laurie

3/14/2017 02:30:52 pm

Your life experiences seem to pour out in almost every post Mary, and this one is no different. Brilliant. It takes a special talent to make ordinary things come to life as they are shared through your eyes and heart. Thanks for sharing another wonderful post. The stool is interesting and very low. . your use as a decor piece seems to be much more practical! Take care Mary.

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Mary

3/18/2017 05:14:02 pm

Thank you Laurie. You have given me the highest compliment. I want my blog to be a place where you can come over and put your feet up, feel at home and get to know me thru my adventures and stories.

I would call it a small bench or a step, rather than a stool which, at least to me, is round.
I love that you describe the dresser as a treasure under it's paint & compare it to yourself - all women get better with age, this is known. Not well known to the younger set, but then we were once youthful fools too.
My instinct with a painted piece is always to strip it to the bare wood & just let that shine. I hated the move to painting every stick of wood... hiding all the grain & character.

I've found you & come to visit through the AIM link party; I hope you'll find time to stop on by the 4Shoes one day & let me know you've been.
:-)

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Mary

3/18/2017 05:18:35 pm

I tried my hardest to get that paint off of my dresser but it wouldn't budge. I think next time I go to New York I might try one of those strippers and see if I can remove the top at least.

Somewhere along the line I missed this post. I'm just now seeing it. I enjoyed seeing a bit of your collections. So what are my favorites? Well, lessee, I love the chest...you know the one you wouldn't have been caught dead with? Ha! I love it, and all that sanding you did just made it look better. I don't know about the stool...it looks like a stool. Had a chuckle over your mom's matching outfits. My mom was the same way...pearls & gloves...course that was the style back then. Whereas she used to say to me..."why don't you go in the bathroom and style your hair? Mama, I don't WANT to go style my hair!" Gee whiz, I would rather go climb trees or something. So what does this have to do with your post? Nothing! I'm off on another tangent, but I liked your post & the blue fish ashtray.

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Welcome

I'm Mary and I recently moved to New York from beautiful Greece. I like to re-purpose and up-cycle anything that is old or looks like junk. Join me as we use our creativity to spark some life into old things. And do it frugally! You will also see lots of photography of my Greece and New York.

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